While the FA Cup continues to perplex football forecasters around the country, MM take a look at Greater Manchester’s five league clubs and their prospects for the rest of the season.

Maloney was nearing the end of his contract and after making 79 league appearances and scoring 14 goals, manager Malky Mackay decided the move was in the player’s and the club’s best interests.

Ben Watson scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final for Wigan in 2013 but with his contract up at the end of the season he has decided to explore his options down south with Watford.

Manager Keith Hill has had a productive week, penning deals with Reuben Noble-Lazarus and Febian Brandy having already secured the services of defender Ashley Eastham ahead of their clash with Crawley Town.

Wigan are still searching for their first three points in 2015 and have only won once in their last twelve games as they prepare to welcome Blackburn Rovers.

Despite differing opinions among fans at the time of his appointment, the former Celtic man’s time at the helm has been largely promising.

Bolton received one of the draws of round four of the FA Cup when they were picked to challenge the Liverpool at Anfield, but Lennon is refusing to get lost in the FA Cup dream with upcoming Championship fixtures more crucial to the club’s season.

Peter Vincenti’s early penalty was enough to secure Dale’s place in the hat for the next round after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with many on social media quick to point out the role played by a number of Rochdale’s youth academy graduates in securing the victory.

After coming on at half-time for his first appearance in English football since May 2012, ex-England international Heskey slid home Eidur Gudjohnsen’s cross to cancel out Josh King’s opener.

Manchester boxer Anthony Crolla is “lucky to be alive” after suffering a fractured skull when he was hit by a concrete slab during a confrontation with two burglars.

The Latics suffered yet another loss on Saturday at home to Norwich City, who saw the struggling club off in the first five minutes to come away with a 1-0 win that left Wigan three points from safety.